Labour Research August 2010

News

Sacking threat by blog

The FBU firefighters’ union has condemned the London Fire Brigade commissioner after he threatened all firefighters with the sack — in his personal blog.

According to the union, brigade chief Ron Dobson revealed in a blog post to staff on 9 July that he will recommend terminating every firefighter’s contract if no agreement is reached on controversial contract changes which involve 12-hour shifts.

FBU regional official Paul Embery described the move as “an absolute outrage”. The union says it will launch an immediate ballot for strike action if the brigade imposes the change.